Transport plans 'big boost to south Bristol'

Two major transport schemes soon to get under way in Bristol could finally open the south of the city for major development, according to regeneration experts.

Both the South Bristol Link Road and the first part of the Metrobus system, linking Ashton Vale to the city centre, were approved at the end of 2013 and with the financial support already in place, work on both schemes is expected to start soon.

The southern side of Bristol has always struggled to attract big investors, while Avonmouth and the northern fringe along the M4 have seen large-scale investment in recent years.

Philip Morton, above, from property firm CBRE Bristol, believes that could all be about to change.

He said: "Despite the recession, we have continued to see plenty of activity in Avonmouth, which has become a major distribution centre.

"Some of the biggest players in the industry, such as John Lewis, Tesco and the Cooperative, have centred their distribution networks for the South West and Wales in Avonmouth because of its position and access to the M5 and M4."

Traffic congestion and poor transport links have long been seen as hampering growth in the south.

Mr Morton added: "There have been schemes suggested in the past but they have never really got off the ground. This time things are different and all the necessary factors are now in place.

"It is a really encouraging sign that the work is about to progress and there should be some really interesting prospects opening up in South Bristol."